The Bulletin of Congregation Ner Tamid, December 2003

Coi>$rc$atioi) Ncr Tam id TDD U n'TD The Reform Jewish Congregation of Las Vegas ...A Special Place to Belong DECEMBER 2003 Vol. XVII No. 11 6 KISLEV/6 TEVET 5764 Sanford D. Akselrad Jennifer C. Weiner Philip Goldstein Scott Stolberg Rabbi Associate Rabbi Cantorial Soloist President YOZMA?S RABBI KINNERET SHIRYON TO SPEAK DECEMBER 12th For tl_ie Past three vears? cnt has maintained a sister relationship with Kehillat YOZMA, one of 18 Reform congregations in Israel. So far, the relationship has comprised exchanges between their and our preschoolers, but we would like to move into activities at higher age levels. Our past president, Stewart Blumenfeld, working within the framework of a UAHC and World Union for ^Progressive Judaism initiative, established the CNT- yOZMA linkage. The purpose of this program is to strengthen the bonds between the American Reform Jewish community and its counterpart community in Israel. YOZMA was founded in 1997 under the guidance of Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon. Rabbi Shiryon was ordained at HUC-JIR in 1981 and, with her husband, made aliyah in 1983. Her arrival in Israel made her Israel?s first and, for a while, only female rabbi. After serving at a Progressive synagogue in Tel Aviv, she was selected to develop the new congregation in Modi?in, which is anticipated eventually to become a major city numbering upwards of a quarter-million. Rabbi Shiryon is a vigorous advocate for Progressive Judaism in Israel in general and for her congregation in particular. She is a dynamic speaker, with much to say about the growth of Progressive Judaism in Israel in the face of fierce resistance by the ?religious establishment? and about the need for a Jewish state to offer another option to Orthodoxy or secularism. She will show how the support of the American Reform community plays a significant role in achieving these aims and how the CNT-YOZMA connection makes its own contribution. Rabbi Shiryon will speak at services on Friday evening, December 12th and will also participate in the Saturday morning minyan and Torah study. Please come to services (it?s a Shabbatone night, too) and hear ?from .the horse?s mouth? what?s going on in the battle to gain precognition in Israel for all the streams of Judaism. Irv Duchowny Jacqueline Fleekop Lois Bergman Laura Bailey Executive Director Education Director Preschool Director Bulletin Editor CHANUKAH FAMILY DINNER Join us Friday December 19th, the First night of Chanukah! Enjoy dinner with your CNT Family beginning at 6:15 p.m. Bring your family Menorah to light at your table! RSVP to Temple office 733-6292 by December 9th. Adults - $16 Children 4-10 yrs. old - $8 Under 4 are FREE One of Our Past Presidents Returns We are proud to have past congregant, Eileen Kollins as our guest speaker at Shabbat services on December 5th at 7:30 p.m. Eileen was the Asst. Director of the Midwest Council for the UAHC from 1998-2003 and currently lives in Cleveland, OH. She was a Las Vegas resident for 20 years until 1998 and an active member of our congregation. She has served on our Temple Board and is a Past President, been involved with the religious school, and assisted with adult education including Intro to Judaism and Taste of Judaism. Eileen is now serving at Congregation Adath Joseph, a small 35-family temple in St. Joseph, Missouri. The temple was founded in 1860 and is one of the original thirteen congregations that formed the UAHC. She has also served other small congregations in Iowa and Missouri as their Spiritual Lay Leader. Come hear Eileen share her experiences and stories of her special congregation, their history and evolution throughout the years, and the challenges they and other small congregations face today. A SPECIAL PLACE TO BELONGWorship Services Conducted By Rabbi Sanford Akselrad, Rabbi Jennifer Weiner, Cantorial Soloist Philip Goldstein Friday December 5 6:30 pm Tot Shabbat 7:30 pm Shabbat Services Guest Speaker Eileen Kollins Oneg sponsored by Tracey & Joe Sears in Honor of Joshua Seegar McGurk's Bar Mitzvah Saturday December 6 9:00 - 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 - 11:00 am Minyan and Torah Study 10:00 am Joshua Seeger Bar Mitzvah Friday December 12 7:30 pm Family Service with Shabbatones Guest Speaker Rabbi Kinnert Shiryon Oneg sponsored by Fern Percheski in honor of her 50th Birthday Saturday December 13 9:00 - 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00-11:00 am Minyan and Torah Study Friday December 19 6:15 pm Chanukah Family Dinner 7:30 pm Shabbat Services/First Night of Chanukah Oneg sponsored by the Brill Family in honor of Anthony's Bar Mitzvah Saturday December 20 9:00- 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 - 11:00 am Minyan and Torah Study 10:00 am Anthony Brill Bar Mitzvah Friday December 26 7:30 pm Shabbat Services Saturday December 27 9:00 - 10:00 am Bible Study 10:00 - 11:00 am Minyan and Torah Study 10:00 am Zachary Saltzman Bar Mitzvah Kiddush Sponsored by May Bendit in honor of Zachary Saltzman's Bar Mitzvah Reminder: Office closes at noon Dec 24 and closed Dec 25 Office closes at noon Dec 31 and closed Jan 1 Rabbi Akselrad's Message What is Chanukah? With the coming of winter comes the festival of lights.. .Chanukah! It is one of our most beloved Jewish holidays, yet it is one that almost did not make it into our tradition. In fact the historical story of Chanukah is nowhere to be found in the Bible! Allow me to explain. Chanukah is the story of the fight for religious freedom by the Maccabees against the evil King Antiochus Epiphanes. Upon defeating this evil king and cleaning up the holy Temple, the Maccabees were able to restore the Temple to its original glory and rekindled the eternal light which miraculously stayed lit until more pure olive oil could be brought in from the Northern part of Israel to be used in the Temple. This much we all remember from religious school. What we didn?t learn is that the historical story of Chanukah is recounted in the Christian Apocrypha in Maccabees I and II. It is an historic anomaly and an irony of history that one of our most beloved holidays was kept alive thanks to another religion! You may wonder why the story isn?t found in the Bible and that is because the battle occurred after the Bible had already been canonized. Therefore, the only specific Jewish reference is found centuries later in the Talmud when the Rabbis ask in Aramaic, ?Mai Chanukah?? What is Chanukah? (!) And to their question they respond with the story of the miracle of oil. By the time of the Talmud Chanukah had already become a cherished holiday of the Jewish people. The Rabbis were uncomfortable with the story of Chanukah which was historically devoid of any mention of miracles. Moreover, they were uncomfortable with the war like nature of the story which they felt might let others think that Jews would be disloyal citizens in the countries that they lived. So, they explainei that Chanukah was really a story of miracles not about war. It was t ^ be remember as a time in which Jews took pride in their faith and the? power of faith. In actuality though, the fight that occurred around 167 b.c.e. was not just against King Antiochus. It was against Hellenism. Many Jews had begun to assimilate and forget about their Judaism. The Maccabees and their followers also fought to restore Judaism and its culture. This is a message that should not be lost on us today. At a time when Levi no longer represents a tribe of Judaism but a type of jean and for too many Chanukah with all of its gift giving has become the Jewish version of Christmas, we need to fight hard to remember the essence of our faith. We have so much to be proud of and Chanukah is a time to reinforce this fact. While we have given gelt (coins) traditionally; today too many give out of guilt! If we try hard we can teach our children the joy of giving and the importance of tzedakah. Each Shabbat we are taught to gather up money for tzedakah. Some families have their own tzedakah box. Then at Chanukah time the family can gather and decide where that money is to be donated. This will add a special meaning to this time of year. Traditionally, the menorah was placed in the window of our homes. This was to express our pride in being Jewish. We can continue this custom and decorate our homes to beautify the mitzvah of Chanukah. But we should do so in distinctly Jewish ways. Some families have dreydl or menorah collections. Others have special latke recipes that they pass down from generation to generation. The important thing is for you to ask yourselves, ?Mai Chanukah?? What is Chanukah to us in our family? How can we allow this holiday to be an expression of our Jewish pride and heritage. In so doing we will find our own place in history for the fight for religious freedom and the need to be vigilant in maintaining our religion. m Rabbi Sanford Akselrad C ongregation N erT am id D ecem ber 2003 V Scott Stolberg scott_stolberg@yahoo.com President Alan Mann bamjom@aol.com VP Administration Hillary Torchin htorchin@aol.com VP Education and Youth Maxine Molinsky mmolinsky@theriviera.com VP Ritual David Shapin david@vegasvoiceover.com VP Membership Recruitment Jordie Primack closings3@yahoo.com VP Membership Retention David Stahl stahllv@cox.net VP Social Action Debbie Levy dlevy1107@aol.com Treasurer Yvonne Gordon tobeach@hotmail.com Corporate Secretary Cecilia Schafler cecilia@jwzunino.com Trustee Michael Unger pmomike@aol.com Trustee Marla Letizia mletizia@aol.com Trustee Stacey Yahraus slymom620@aol.com Trustee Bill Yaffe byaffe@lvcm.com Trustee Bernie Matusow globern@lvcm.com Trustee Beth Bromberg fystee2@aol.com Trustee Beth Falk bethf1210@aoi.com Trustee Joe Cracraft jcracraft@earthlink.net Trustee Fern Percheski fernp2003@cox.net Sisterhood President Howard Layfer Iayf16@lvcm.com Men's Club President Kelly Chenin shortstuff4evr05@aol.com NTTY President Dr. Stewart Blumenfeld Past President Drew Levy Past President Bob Unger, Esq Past President Jerry Gordon, Esq Past President Cal Lewis Past President Eileen Kollins Past President Kenneth Schnitzer Past President Dr. David Wasserman Past President Dr Steve Kollins Past President Hon. Michael Cherry Past President Dr Bernard Farrow Past President Eugene Kirshbaum * Past President David Goldwater * Past President Rabbi Sanford Akselrad Ex Officio Rabbi Jennifer Weiner * Deceased Ex Officio 2 ESSAGE FROM OUR TEMPLE PRESIDENT Since I became president I have developed a network of informal advisors that help me make decisions or simply get the pulse of the congregation. In the history of our nation this group is called the kitchen cabinet. I have been pretty blessed in this regard. Two of the members of my kitchen cabinet are not members of our congregation. They are people I went to college with and they still live in Chicago. I see them regularly and each along with their spouse is active in their temples and is on their temple boards. During a recent trip to Chicago my friend Steve and I were talking about temple life and what was happening in each other?s temple families. Steve then said to me ?Remember that the best ideas you have were someone else?s first? It made me start to think. I came to the conclusion that as a community we probably have the answers to any situation. We have such a diverse membership. There are people who belong to our congregation with all kinds of backgrounds. Does it really make a difference whose idea it is? For the last 29 years CNT has been there to provide a spiritual and comfortable home for reform Jews in Las Vegas. The reason is all of the people who came before me and built our membership and started programs that we enjoy today. Many of these people worked during some difficult times when they were not even sure the congregation would survive, let alone be on the verge of celebrating our 30th anniversary. But they worked together and pooled their ideas and picked out the best ones and they worked. I want to thank all of you who worked so hard to keep this congregation alive so that when my family came to Las Vegas it would be here for us. I also want to thank the past presidents and board members whom I have called upon many times in this first six months for your input and guidance. I am not done with you yet each of you has continued to serve without any formal recognition and this is one of the greatest mitzvot. If you are part of this group and I have not called do not worry your day will come. No discussion of ideas and thanks would be complete without mentioning our staff. Our clergy, senior staff, office staff, teachers, and custodial staff perform their jobs not just because they get paid but also because they love CNT and what it stands for. They live our congregation and are an incredible source of ideas. This congregation is made up of people like you. The board of trustees is put in place to look after your interests, so we need to hear from you. Please feel free to come up to one of us or e-mail any member of the board with your thoughts, ideas, problems or compliments. We are now publishing each board members e mail address so when a idea comes to you, do not put it off while it is fresh in your mind send one of us a note. We can then make sure those messages get to the right person to address them. So the next time I or another leader within the congregation has a great idea or you think gee why didn?t we do this sooner I will be sure to thank you for taking the time to pass it on so everyone can benefit. As Hanukah approaches I on behalf of my family would like to wish you and your family Happy Hanukah. Also as many of you know for the last seven years we have done the gift-wrap at the Galleria Mall. This is a ?FUND? raiser but also it is a ?FUN raiser. Many a friendship has been formed during those days in December when we wrap every kind of gift known to man. So call the temple office and volunteer to do a couple of shifts. It is on your schedule whenever it is convenient to you. But remember to meet the people you are working with and have a good time and maybe your present will be a new friend. B?Shalom Scott Stolberg A Special Place To Belong It is with great gratitude that we thank each of these families that participate in the MENORAH LEVEL DONOR program. Each of these families has made a lasting commitment to provide financial support so that anyone can be a member of our congregational family without regard to ability to pay. Keeper of the Flame Dr. & Mrs. Allen R. Anes Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Greenspun Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Canter Mrs. Joyce Mack Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Gale Mr. & Mrs. Bob Unger Dr. & Mrs. David Wasserman Gold Level Menorah Mr. & Mrs. David Naness Mr. & Mrs. Scott Stolberg Silver Level Menorah Mr. Neil & Hon. Sylvia Beller Mr. & Mrs. Michael Goldstein Dr. & Mrs. Joel Davidson Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Gordon Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Dunn Mr. Harry Sax Mr. Bruce Familian Mr. Douglas Unger Ms. Susan Fine Mrs. Stacey Yahraus Bronze Level Menorah Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Drew Levy Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Fleckner Mr. & Mrs. Alan Mann Dr. & Mrs. George Flushman Dr. & Mrs. Larry Rosen Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Goldstein Mr. & Mrs. Drew Rounds Mr. & Mrs. Mel Hallerman Mrs. Roberta Sabbath Ms. Cynthia Jensen Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Urban Mr. & Mrs. Ron Worth These families provide 50% of the funds that it cost each year to provide dues relief. If you are interested in joining them in performing this mitzvot, please see the display in the temple lobby or contact Irv in the temple office for more details. Again THANK YOU to each of these families. Looking Towards the Future! Watch your Temple Happenings and future Bulletins for "coffee hour" times and places. These are informal get-togethers to share and discuss the new Campus with you, the Congregants. C ongregation Ner Tamid New Campus Committee Hard at Work! Seated above - Irv Duchowny, Drew Levy, Alan Mann, Stewart Blumenfeld, Jane Radoff, Jordie & Debbie Primack, Rabbi Akselrad, Malcolm Doctors, Fern Percheski, David Stahl, Jacky Rosen, Yvonne Gordon, Jerry Gordon (committee chair). D ecem ber 2003 Executive Director's Message ?Of Mensch and Mitzvot? As you read this, we?ve just recognized and celebrated with Bernie Yuman, our Mensch of the Year, at a fantastic fund-raiser at Caesar?s Palace (Well done, Mike Unger, and others on the Mensch committee, for your coordination of all of it!). However, we see other Mitzvahs, and know other Menschs, and this article is about those. A Mensch, as we all know, is a generous, caring, giving individual (among so many other descriptive words). I shared ?a moment? with a wonderful, long-time congregant. I hope he doesn?t mind if I share this wonderful experience. One Sunday, when we have our usual, wonderful chaos of organization with 200 children in our Religious School plus whatever other activities and groups are meeting at CNT, I saw this congregant standing next to our Donor Level Menorah in the lobby, with some emotion on his face. I walked over, and asked if he was ok, if there was anything that I could do to help him. He looked at me, and told me that he wanted to get a Menorah, that he?s wanted to do so for a very long time, but couldn?t afford it in the past, and now he can finally afford one - to show his financial support to the temple as deeply as he had felt it?s spiritual support. He was very emotional, and started to gently break down - It seemed that he wanted a hug, and I gave him one - and he hugged back, as a sort of relief to him - and again said that he?s feeling so lucky, and so fortunate, that he can finally do this. It was a wonderfully touching moment, for the congregant and for myself. I felt lucky to have been there, for both of us. We have had another congregant come into my office, obligation that he had committed, both to himself and to me. When he had joined the temple, we discussed his financial condition, and we agreed on a financial plan, which included a date when we can review together. Now, the congregant was in my office, and let me know that his condition has improved, and that he doesn?t want to wait until the first of the year to review his condition, he wanted to increase his dues paying to a normal, usual, full schedule, and wanted it to be effective as of that month, which was several months ago. He expressed that, when he had come in and we had originally discussed his finances, he felt so good that we had done so in a respectful manner, with dignity and talk of ?Fairness?. He wanted to make the financial change to further his commitment to himself, his family and his temple, CNT, and wanted to do it now. I was very touched by his words, his deed, and his discussion of the compassion that he felt when he first walked in to discuss membership. Of Mensch and Mitvzah, I thank these two wonderful congregants for sharing these moments, these truths that are so meaningful, with me. Both of these people gave because they wanted to - please give with them. These are the times, the people, who allow me to feel so lucky to be able to serve, and work, at CNT, truly ?A Special Place to Belong?. to be continued. Irv and let me know that he wanted to fulfill an CNT STAFF Email Addresses: Rabbi Akselrad, Sr. Rabbi Rabbak@lvnertamid.org Rabbi Weiner, Assoc. Rabbi Rabbijen@lvnertamid.org Philip Goldstein, Cantorial Soloist PGoldstein@lvnertamid.org Irv Duchowny, Exec. Director IDuchowny@lvnertamid.org Jackie Fleekop, Ed. Director JFIeekop@lvnertamid.org Lois Bergman, Preschool Diretor LBergman@lvnertamid.org Karen Levine, Rabbi A's Admin. Asst. KLevine@lvnertamid.org Roberta Unger, Admin. Asst. RUnger@lvnertamid.org Mary Zone, Receptionist MZone@lvnertamid.org Angie Coleman, Bookeeper AColeman@lvnertamid.org A Special Place To Belong JUST A Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the worlcjAk celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of th^^ Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calender varies from year to year. The holiday celebrates the events which took place over 2,300 years ago in the land of Judea, which is now Israel. One of the best known symbols of Chanukah is the dreidal. The dreidal is a four sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side - SHIN, HEY, GIMEL, NUN. These letters mean "A Great Miracle Happened There." However, in Israel the letters mean "A Great Miracle Happened HERE." Dreidal is also a popular game played during the Holiday. Players use pennies, nuts, raisins, or gelt (chocolate coins) as tokens or chips. The player spins the dreidal. When the dreidal stops, the letter that is facing up decides the fate. J NUN - nothing happens, next player spins the dreidal j[ GIMEL - player takes all tokens in the pot ff HEY - player takes half of the pot $} SHIN - player must put one token into the pot So as you play the game, it's also appropriate to sing the dreidal song. Enjoy! Phillip I have a little dreidal, I made it out of clay. And when it's dry and ready, then dreidal I will play. Oh, dreidal, dreidal, dreidal I made it out of clay. And when it's dry and ready, then dreidal I will play. Dr. Bruno Bornstein on Jewish Medical Ethics Please plan on attending the next adult education lecture, Sunday morning December 7th at 11:00 a.m. featuring adult ed chairman, Dr. Bruno Bornstein. Bruno has described his class as follows: ?On a variety of critical issues, in Medicine and beyond, the modern Jew is faced with deciding the degree to which halachic sources determine a course of action in the face of previously unimaginable scientific capabilities.? A recent article on Jewish Ethics suggests that Judaism may properly be characterized as containing within it a questing spirit while, while at the same time, insisting on fundamental religious principles. How true is this, in regard to Medical issues? The contemporary Jew is urged to become universalist/ liberal while remaining committed to time-honored tradition. Can this be accomplished? This talk will focus on several contemporary Medical problems which modern advances have transcended beyond what Jewish tradition could have been imagined. What to do? To whom to listen? Plan to attend and hear A one doctor?s opinion. C ongregation N er Tamid ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Thanks......from IHN Thank you again to all of our volunteers who made the October week hosting IHN families so successful. We are grateful to all of our returning volunteers and welcome the new volunteers to our IHN family. If you can not give of your time to this wonderful project but would like to contribute something, you may bring a bag of diapers to the temple to be given to the IHN families. They never have enough of these basic essentials. As volunteers in the IHN program we provide homeless families with basic human needs?shelter, safety and sustenance-with a spirit of warmth and hospitality. Things which we take for granted in our lives. We are the only Jewish Congregation in Las Vegas participating to help the homeless in our city. Through the kindness of the host congregations the hurt of homelessness is diminished. We hope that the next time we host the families, which will be in February, we have even more new volunteers joining us. Once again, a big ?TODAH RABAH? to all who helped in October. Bette Stahl and Jennifer Cohen L_________________________________________ D ecem ber 2003 Congregation Ner Tamid Preschool/Kindergarten November was an exciting month for our Preschool and Kindergarten students. We learned about our Veterans and why we are so proud to live in America. We had a delightful turkey dinner with all the trimmings. What delectable Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, and Cranberry Sauce. We are sure great cooks. The youngsters dressed in traditional Pilgrim and Native American Garb. Our classes sailed across on the Mayflower, just as our ancestors did many so years ago. It is a pleasure to see our students learning and playing together. The children have developed friendships and watching them work, play and interact with their teacher is a rewarding experience. Our students have learned a great deal both socially and scholastically in the last few months, and they look forward to learning even more throughout the school year. December will bring our long anticipated Chanukah program to the stage. We have practiced and rehearsed . This spectacular event will take place On Friday December 19th at 11:00 A.M followed by our traditional latke lunch and Chanukah party. Of course the preschool students will be learning all about Chanukah. We will be making traditional Chanukah crafts and be singing all the traditional Chanukah melodies: as well as some new ones. . This special time of the year is always a favorite and we look forward to seeing this holiday through our children?s eyes. Happy holiday from the staff and students of CNT Preschool Lois Bergman Home for Winter Break? 18-22 years old?Out of High School, College age, registered or not? Join us for a GREAT PARTY on Monday Dec. 29th at 5:30 pm at Graziano's Pizza, West Desert Inn and Durango in the Von?s Shopping Center across from Desert Breeze Park. Pizza, football, old friends, fun - see your old friends from Hebrew School, Confirmation and NTTY. Please RSVP to Jackie 733-6292. to be held at Lake Las Vegas December 25th - 28th, 2003 over 100 members of the National Association of Temple Educators will meet at the Ritz Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. Our own Director of Education, Jackie Fleekop, will be attending this conference as the regional contact as well as a participant. Not only will this be a conference of study and prayer but one of action. Participants will go out into the Las Vegas Community to spend several hours in hands on tikkun olam projects. It's Time to Order Your New Mah Jongg Cards! Flowers, cracks, bams, east, jokers and other words that mean something if you're a Mah Jongg player. Take action - the new cards will be here soon! Regular size is $6.00 Large size is $7.00. Sisterhood earns money on all cards sold! Mail your check by February 5th payable to: Sandy Stolberg 1904 Plantea Ct. Las Vegas, NV 89117 One Home, Two Holidays? If you are part of a couple or family (Parents and Grandparents of Interfaith families included) who is dealing with what to do with two religions in one household then this is the program for you. The Outreach Committee will sponsor a discussion and "how to" session for those Interfaith couples and families trying to deal with this complex issue on December 7 at 2:00-3:30 p.m. Learn about Hannukah traditions, enjoy latkes, sample chocolate gelt. Come hear from other couples and families who have dealt with this issue. See how they have become closer as a family. A special gift for each couple and/or family will be given out at the end of the program. This program is cosponsored by The Jewish Family Services Agency and is FREE to all who are interested. For more information contact the temple office 733-6292. Deadline for the February 2004 Bulletin Monday, December 15th @ 5 PM Please email articles to CNTBulletin@cox.net ?ENGAGED?YOUNG MARRIED? th ?i| Rob and Andrea Worth invite you to join them for a great Pre-Chanukah Party on December 13 at 6:00 pm. One person must be under 30 years old. Call Jackie at the temple for directions 733-6292. WE MUST NEVER FORGET CNT Men's Club presents Regina Hirsch's story "The Holocaust Happened" on DVD for only $18. You can order it via the Temple Office 733-6292 or www.cntmensclub.org A Special Place To Belong CNT Sisterhood Many Voices, Many Hands? Today?s Women Embracing a Shared Vision Our membership luncheon on October 12 was a huge success! Eighty five members attended and enjoyed a beautiful catered lunch, great entertainment by our Cantorial Soloist, Philip Goldstein, and informative briefings by a few of our Vice Presidents and Committee Chairs. Sandy Stolberg and Laura Bailey did a terrific job at coordinating the event. And the biggest surprise of the day was the announcement of the new Great Lady, Sandy Stolberg! Sandy was truly stunned when she saw her mom, who was flown in from Chicago for this event, walk across the floor to congratulate the newest in a line of truly great women. At the luncheon, we also asked you for feedback about Sisterhood. Here are some of the highlights: Things we need to get better at: * You told us to be friendlier and to reach out to people? especially new faces. * You asked us to start all events on time * You?d like us to get more people involved, and follow-up better when people express an interest in volunteering * You asked for timely notice of events We will be do our best to improve in these areas... Please help us where you can. New ideas: * A ?junior? sisterhood * Support for people losing a family member and for newly divorced or widowed women * Story time at the religious school once a month (where a Sisterhood member tells the story) * Projects to beautify the temple (needlework) I would like to speak directly to those of you who made these suggestions so that we can explore the concepts a bit more. I?d also like to speak with anyone who may have an interest in any of the above activities. Please contact me. The Mi Shebeirach Tapestry... The Stories behind the Squares This square was the first submitted towards the tapestry, designed and created by Jackie Fleekop and embroidered by her friend. Here is what Jackie wrote about her square: ???Hand in hand we hold the future of Judaism. It is our hands that keep the Ner Tamid burning bright. With love of Torah Study and Prayer and Good Deeds. ? The Tapestry is displayed in the Beit Tefilla, and will be used during healing services throughout the year. If you?d like to create a square for the next tapestry, you may pick up a ?kit? in the office, or look for information about the next tapestry workshop. SUITCASES FOR KIDS CONTINUES CNT's Social Action Committee is sponsoring this campaign to get suitcases for the children in the foster care system in Clark County. Hard and soft luggage are both okay. Large backpacks are acceptable if you do not have any suitcases to donate. The children will get to keep the suitcases. We wouldl love to have a suitcase for each child in the system. * You can bring your donations to the Temple where they will be delivered to the county Social Service system to be distributed to the children. Please help a child who is less fortunate than you. Other suggestions: You had many other suggestions which will be forwarded to the appropriate committees. For those who asked if Sisterhood has a role in the design of the new Temple, I am a member of the New Campus Committee and will represent your interests as well as I can. Please give me your feedback. Remember to check your programming calendar for lists of all of our programs for the rest of the season. If you don?t have one, please pick one up at the Temple office or call Linda Goldstein (260-8747 or Ellen Lozofsky (655-1021) if you would like them to mail one to you. If you have suggestions for interesting programs and specific speakers please refer the information to either Linda, Ellen, or to me. B'Shalom, Fern Percheski Sisterhood President 566-0078 fernp2003@cox.net (drop me a line...) f Upcoming Events ?'\ Dec 11 Dec 22 V Monthly Board Meeting Rosh Chodesh/ Chanukah Celebration J It's Gift Wrap Time Again! Time for our biggest fund raiser of the year! We need your help to make it a success. Volunteers are needed to help wrap gifts at the Galleria Mall from December 1-24. Why not make new friends or enjoy the company of old ones. Even if you can only spare a couple of hours, your help is greatly appreciated. To volunteer or information, call the temple office 733-6292. Has your email address changed? All email addresses are kept confidential. Please let us know @ 733-6292 or Email Roberta at ^ RUNGER@LVNERTAMID.ORG J C ongregation Ner Tamid D ecem ber 2003 12/1 12/10 12/17 12/25 Mrs. Goldie Aberman Mr. James Bowen Sharon Davidson Evan Dodd 12/2 Mr. Aubrey Goldberg Ms. Cynthia Zeidner 12/3 Mrs. Jill Jasienski Samantha Saltzman Stacey Skolnik Dr. David Wasserman 12/4 Mrs. Judy Lugo Adam Sternberg 12/5 Shana Davidson Alexandra Epstein Alice Shapiro 12/6 Mr. Jim Appleyard Haley Boruszak Jenna Dillman Dr. Steve Glyman Mr. Ralph Marano Mr. Mayer Schlesinger Michael Shapiro Alexander Solomon